Distinguished Writers of the Age of Louis XIV. 97 Family of Poquelin 97 1622. Birth of Jean Baptiste Poquelin, who assumed the Name of Molière 98 His Studies at College 99 His Fellow-Students under Gassendi 99 1641. Ætat. 19. Attends on Louis XIII. as Royal Valet-de-Chambre 100 Execution of Cinq-Mars 100 Cardinal de Richelieu's Plays, and Encouragement of Actors 101 1643. Ætat. 21. Molière studies the Law 101 Molière's taking the Stage for his Profession offensive to his Relatives 101 His Theatrical Company 102 The Fronde and Civil War injurious to the Theatre 102 Molière's Company perform at Bordeaux, where he produces an unsuccessful Tragedy 103 His early Comedies 103 His excellent Farcical Interludes performed at the Prince de Conti's Mansion of Pezenas 105 Molière and his Comedians established in Paris 106 They perform at Court 106 "Les Précieuses Ridicules," a Satire on the Hôtel Rambouillet 107 The Poet Voiture 108 1659. Ætat. 37. Molière's Satire of the Affectation then in Fashion 109 Fête given by the Finance Minister Fouquet to Louis XIV. 111 Le grand Condé patronises Molière 113 Molière decried for being an Actor, is protected in his duties as Royal Valet-de-Chambre by Louis XIV. 114 Molière's Marriage 115 He writes "l'Ecole des Femmes" 117 The Court Ballets 118 "Tartuffe" 119 The Soldiers of the King's Body Guard, deprived of their free Admission to the Theatre, create a Riot 121 1666. Ætat. 44. "Le Misanthrope" 122 Scene from the "Amphitryon" 124 Molière writes "l'Avare" 127 Scene from the Comedy of "George Dandin" 127 Unprecedented Success of "Tartuffe" 126 Friendship of Molière with Boileau, Racine, and the Wits of his